Draft Day Brings Local Talent to the Big Leagues
The first day of the Major League Baseball draft turned into a hometown celebration as two high school standouts from the Jacksonville area heard their names called.
Cole Dennis, a right‑handed pitcher from Bishop Snyder, was selected 112th overall by the Atlanta Braves. The slot carries a slot value just over $697,000, and the youngster now weighs a professional contract against a commitment to Jacksonville University.
Outfielder Wessley Roberson from Glynn Academy followed at the 115th pick, landing with the Miami Marlins. His selection marks the first draft pick from Glynn Academy since Adam Wainwright in 2000, underscoring a resurgence of talent from the region.
Both players posted impressive final seasons: Dennis hit .432 with 12 home runs and posted a 2.10 ERA, while Roberson’s speed and bat earned him a place among the top prospects. The draft also marks the second consecutive year a local player has been selected straight out of high school.
The decisions ahead are stark. Dennis must choose between signing for a lucrative rookie deal or honoring his signed letter of intent to play at Jacksonville University, while Roberson will weigh the allure of an MLB contract against the development he could continue in college.
For the Braves and Marlins, the picks represent a blend of upside and regional pride, reinforcing the franchises’ focus on scouting the Southeast. As the draft unfolds, the players’ choices will ripple through the local baseball community, shaping the next generation of talent.